Tamil cinema has made films on the film industry folks for a long time. In fact, actor Nagesh gave us two memorable roles with Server Sundaram and Kadhalikka Neramillai (remember his story narration scene with Balaiah?) in the same year — 1964.

The recent weeks have seen release of films revolving around aspiring directors; we even had JC Daniel, the dubbed version of the acclaimed Malayalam film on the Father of Malayalam Cinema. And, now, the release of the teaser of Jigarthanda, which is also about a filmmaker, only suggest that this is the season of reel-life filmmakers. Here is a look into some of the modern reel-life filmmakers Tamil cinema has given.

Vu

A comedy on the quirky side of the industry, this film is about Ganesh, a middle-aged guy, who, after years of trying to direct a film, finally gets a break. To develop his one-line plot, he assembles a team of hopeless youngsters and each one comes up with “scenarios” that are silly, but somehow, Ganesh turns it into a success and wins a challenge against his former roommates.

Ninaithathu Yaaro

Director Vikraman’s latest film is a sentimental story about an assistant director who loses track of his life’s ambition — becoming a director — after he fails in love. And, then, his ladylove returns in his life to motivate him and gets him back on track. Soon enough, he starts directing a film, with the help of his former lover, which fetches him instant glory.

Jigarthanda

Karthik Subbaraj’s much-awaited film is about a film director who goes to the wild west of Tamil Nadu (at least in our films) — Madurai. He is planning to make a gangster film and so, wants to meet a gangster as part of his research. And, he does meet one, but, that leads to a situation where he is dragged into a battle between rival gangs.

Vellitherai

This remake of the Malayalam film Udhayananu Tharam is a satire on the film industry. The plot involves an aspiring filmmaker Saravanan who writes what could be a trendsetting script, only to have his sneaky roommate, Kannaiah, register it and pass it off as his. Worse, Kannaiah becomes a superstar riding on the success of the film, renaming himself as Dilipkanth. Now, the only way Saravanan can get a break in the industry and prove his talent is by working with the very man who stole his script.

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa

Gautham Menon’s musical romance is about Karthik, a young filmmaker who meets the love of his life in his neighbour Jessie. But familial situations force them apart and a very dejected Karthik decides to adapt his love story into his first film, the only difference being that the film has a positive ending.

Kandukondain Kandukondain

One of the sub-plots in this multi-starrer involves Manohar (Ajith), an aspiring director who wants to direct a film without making any compromises. His confrontational approach leads to his first film being stalled, and this affects his relationship with his girlfriend Sowmya (Tabu), as she is the one who selected the title for the film. Manohar makes an action film with a female lead (which leads to link-up goss as well!), but ultimately, he gets to clear all the misunderstandings with his lover.